A Gig-Worthy All-In-One Stompbox Pedalboard Modeller

As pioneers of the effects-modeling game, Line 6 never ceases to amaze musicians -- and the new Line 6 M13 Stompbox Modeler Pedal is surely not one to disappoint. This all-in-one stompbox modeler offers any effect you and your guitar could imagine. Unlike other stompbox modelers, the M13 offers a large footprint with fifteen metal footswitches -- much like a conventional stompbox pedalboard -- providing you the ability to use up to four effects independently or in any combination, with room to store your favorite 48 pedalboard schemes for instant recall at the press of a button.

Nearly 100 Realistic Effect Models -- Plus a 28-Second Looper

Line 6 has long set the standard for studio-quality effect models in consumer products, so it comes as no surprise that the M13 delivers dozens of stunning distortions, delays, reverbs, filters, and more -- many of which have been painstakingly modeled after real, historically significant effect circuits. It's even got a built-in 28-second looper with dedicated footswitches to control playback, playback speed, dubbing, and more.

Designed to Gig: Sturdy Metal Chassis with Metal Footswitches

With a large footprint and sturdy all-metal chassis and footswitches, the M13 Stompbox Modeller is designed with gigging in mind. That's just one box, one power cable, and one instrument cable for all your guitar's effects, in one easy to use pedalboard.

Product Description

Teeming with over 100 immortal distortions, delays, reverbs, and more, the Line 6 M13 Stompbox Modeler offers immediate access to an entire arsenal of history's most well-regarded stompbox sounds.

With the Line 6 M13, you get 19 analog and digital delays, 18 well-known distortions from creamy to crazy, 12 reverb effects, 26 vibey filters including wahs and pitch effects, 22 tangy mods such as expressive trems or phasers, and 12 compressors and equalizers that squash, gate and color.

The Line 6 M13 alows you to use up to four models simultaneously, in any order and combination. It's like having a massive pedal board packed into a convenient, simple-to-use package.

It's Stompbox Simple

Line 6 M13 Stompbox Modeler is easy to use, just like a classic stompbox. Tweak your tones on the fly using the M13's dedicated knobs. No menus, no saving, no hassles - just turn the knobs and you're done. And your settings remain when you power down!

Four bright LCD screens show parameter names and values, and the built-in chromatic tuner.

Built-in Looper

The M13's 28-second looper is always at the ready with dedicated footswitches for Play/Stop, Undo/Redo, Rec/Overdub, Half Speed, Reverse, Play Once, and Pre/Post. You're free to adjust your sounds while looping or overdubbing.

Up to 48 Different Pedalboards

Different arrangements of models, or pedal board "scenes," can be created for each of your gigs - one for your metal band, one for your punk band, one for your Top 40 gig...you get the picture. No more tearing up Velcro just to swap one or two pedals. Create and save up to 48 scenes. (Scenes can be backed up to your computer via MIDI in/out.)

Ins and Outs

M13 Stompbox Modeler plays well with others. Take advantage of the stereo FX loop and put your other pedals in front, behind or even in between M13 Stompbox Modeler's models.

Building on the success of the M9 pedal, Line 6 expands the capabilities with the M13 stompbox modeling pedal. Built for the stage, this multieffects unit lets you create chains of up to four effects, make detailed changes throughout the signal path, and save your configurations in any of the 48 recallable "scene" banks. On top of all that, the Line 6 M13 comes equipped with an onboard tuner, stereo I/O, MIDI capability, and a 28-second looper.

The Line 6 M13 Features a Road-ready Chassis

The Line 6 M13 is built for gigging, and the metal chassis is up to the task. The unit measure 15.25 inches wide by 11.75 inches deep, with an angled top so there's less risk of a mis-trigger. A 12-foot power cable is included, expanding your reach when outlets are scarce. All of the M13's cable connections (stereo I/O, stereo effects loop, a pair of expression pedal inputs, MIDI I/O) sprout from the rear panel. The Line 6 M13 does not offer digital I/O.

You can use the MIDI connection to update firmware, install new effects models from Line 6's website, and even archive your saved scenes to computer. The quick-start manual that's included with the M13 is good enough to get you started right out of the box, but you'll want to download the advanced manual for an in-depth understanding of all the features.

Stompbox Layout

Think of the M13 as a series of four effects modules positioned side by side across the top of the chassis. Each has a rectangular LCD display and six parameter knobs, all guarded by a metal bumper to keep your boots at bay. Below each bumper, three stomp switches let you trigger individual effects in the chain. Press one of the switches, then use the top left parameter knob (Model Select) to assign an effect. The remaining five knobs offer access to different parameters, depending on the effect you select.

Effects are color-coded by type, and the LCD display will change color when you spin the Model Select knob. Delay effects are green, time-based modulation effects are blue, reverbs are orange, filtering and EQ effects are purple, and distortion/overdrive effects are yellow.

Load a selected effect into any of the three chrome switches in the module, and the switch will toggle the effect on and off just like a standard stompbox. Each switch has an LED displaying the color of the loaded effect type, glowing dimly when the effect is bypassed and brightly when engaged. Effects can be assigned to any switch in any order, and each of the four effects modules can be routed in any sequence.

You may choose to assign a different effect type to each stomp switch, giving you instant access to up to twelve individual effects. You may also choose to route the same effect to all three switches in a single module, assigning different parameters to each. You may have a light distortion set up on switch A, for example, adding a little bite to the verse. Switch B has the same effect with some additional drive, fattening up the sound when you switch to the chorus. Switch C has increased gain, adding boost to bring you up over the mix during the solo.

The M13 saves a snapshot of your complete pedalboard setup, including all effects and parameter changes per stomp switch, as a single "scene". Use the Scene Setup switch (located on the right side under the M13 logo) to name your scene and store it in any of the 48 (4 banks of 12) scene locations. Line 6 preloads the M13 with twelve preset scenes to get you started, but these can all be overwritten as you build more of your own. Need more than 48? You can offload your scenes to computer via MIDI, and build yourself a new set. Keep in mind, even though you can have up to 48 scenes in the M13 at a time, only twelve scenes at a time can be accessed via foot switch. Use the Model Select knob to scroll through the four banks, and call up what you need.

Switch the Switches

Once you've got the effects dialed in, activate the Looper Controls and some of the stomp switches take on additional duties. Record/Overdub, Play/Stop, Play Once, Undo/Redo, Half Speed, and Reverse are all useful for creating looped parts, and there's even a Pre/Post function that lets you route the looper before or after the effects. Not wanting to be thought a slacker, the tap tempo switch also does double duty. Hold it down for a few seconds and you've got access to the onboard tuner. Mute the output, bypass the effects while tuning, or change the reference pitch with the parameter knobs.

Hands-On

Obviously, this unit does a ton of stuff, and it may seem like it would be a bit overwhelming. Fortunately, the main controls are clearly labeled and laid out in a familiar format, so it's pretty intuitive. When I pulled it out of the box, I was able to tune up and dial up some effects without so much as a glance at the manual. That said, you'll want to keep that manual handy the first few times you save and load your scenes. Switching scenes is pretty painless, though depending on the effects you have loaded you may notice audio dropouts as the new scene is engaged.

If you've ever played around with Line 6's DL4 or any other brand of looper, you won't have any problems walking yourself through the M13's looper functions. There isn't a single-button bypass, though you could set up the tuner to do this.

As I dug deeper into the effects models, I felt the M13 was a little too skewed toward chorus and phase effects (more than I probably need) and a little light in the distortion department. Also, the default settings on the distortion patches all sounded a little too similar, for the most part. Still, with some time spent tweaking fuzz and overdrive parameters, you could easily broaden the range of available tones.

Beyond the obligatory set of standard multieffects, I had some fun messing with the harmonizer patches, ring modulator, and the Seeker, a kind of 'super filter' that produces thick, rhythmic wah sounds. I also really dug the Pitch Vibrato, which is modeled after Boss's VB-2 pedal, complete with the "rise time" speed control. The models of analog delay and echo effects sounded pretty accurate, but the reverbs were kind of hit or miss, I felt. Common hall patches were a bit lacking, though I did like the sound I got with the '63 Spring setting.

Not Just for the Stage

It seems pretty clear Line 6 designed this for live gigging, but I put it to good use in the studio as well. Some of the sounds worked well as aux effects while mixing, though I did need to boost the input up to a useable level as it's not set up to handle a line level input. The Boost Comp effect helped with this.

I experimented heavily with the echos in the studio. While they lacked a little of the personality of the originals, they sounded really nice in the mix. Harmonizers such as the Bass Octaver worked great too. The tracking was rock-solid and the tone was rich and fat.

Beyond the effects themselves, the ability to save scenes is totally studio-friendly. You can store your exact settings away and call everything right back if you need to punch up the mix at some point in the future. And with the number of different effects available in one convenient unit, you've got all the options you could want at mixdown. If the M13 came with digital I/O, it would be a studio must-have.

The Bottom Line

Guitar multieffects units aren't exactly a new concept, but the M13 does go a long way toward giving you a complete selection of classic and modern effects in a rugged, gig-ready package. Every player has their list of favorite pedals, and with over 100 effects on board the M13 has the chops to satisfy them all.

The onboard MIDI control and effects loop make it easy to interface with the rest of your rig, and the expression pedal inputs and onboard looper take you well beyond the traditional effects box.

Pros:

Straightforward and intuitive interface, instant access to a large number of effects. Powerful looper with pre/post operation. Active support community at Line 6's website.

Cons:

Effects skewed toward modulation; a little lacking on distortion. Reverbs could be more consistent....see more

Sound:
Sounds great. A lot of the pedals are modeled perfectly. My only complaint is that the Compressors are a little weak. I have since gone out and purchased a TC Electronics Compressor pedal and use my M13 for everything else.
Feature:
The features are great. How can you complain about having every effect under the sun for $500? The only reason I gave this a 9 instead of a 10 is because you can only use 4 effects at once and not all 12. I'm sure it's likely a processor issue, and to get a stronger processor would mean a higher price though so 4 at once is still pretty good. Even with that said though, this pedal is a steal at $500.
It's got a every effect you could ever need. EVER! and it's also got a looper and a tuner.
Also, Line 6 updates the firmwear for this thing from time to time (for free). They add features, and even add more effects. Like the Pitch Shift filter modeled after a Digi-Tech Whammy pedal that was included in the latest upgrade. They really listen to suggestions from users too. If you have something you want to see in the future, just mention it to the people at Line 6 and there's a good chance you might see it in the next update.
To update, you'll need a MIDI to USB adapter.
Another really cool feature... It has 2 expression pedal inputs and you can use your expression to control any parameters you want. You can even have it control multiple parameters in opposite directions (Eg. Turn your gain up and your bass down at the same time)
Ease of Use:
The thing is so easy to use that you will never even need to print the manual from the Line 6 site. Just select your effect, turn the knobs (I love that it has the knobs like a real analog pedal!) and your preset is saved automatically. You can turn the auto-save off if you want to, but why would you?
I would still recommend printing the manual as it will show you a lot more than you ever thought was possible with a multi-effect pedal. Even the more advanced features that you'll find in the manual are super easy.
So easy, even a caveman can do it....wait I think that line is taken already.
Quality:
Seems to be built very solidly. No plastic parts other than the knobs and screens, but everything you step on is solid metal.
Very easy to transport, and it's really nice to have all your effects in one place rather than having to carry around a bunch of pedals, cables, and adapters.
Value:
You will not find a better pedal for a better price.
The TC Nova System is pretty close I guess, and they're the exact same price, but if you ask me the M13 is a superior product.
If you want something better than the M13, you'll have to shell out well over $1000 for a TC G System or something of that nature, but even that pedal doesn't have any gain pedals in it.
Get this pedal!
Manufacturer Support:
The Line 6 website has a great support forum dedicated to the M13 also for all its users. If you have any questions or problems, go there, and chances are that your question will be answered within a couple of hours.
I have never needed any repairs or had any problems, but have still used the forum for general questions and exchanging cool ideas with other users.
If you get the pedal, check out the forum.
The Wow Factor:
It looks real cool. Looks a lot like a Voodoo Labs MIDI pedalboard and costs about the same. BUT it actually has all the effects built in. It's not just an expensive bunch of buttons. The multiple coloured LEDs and all the switches make it look like it belongs on a space shuttle. It looks especially cool on a dark stage.
Don't be fooled though; this isn't a matter of fashion over function...this is fashion AND function.
Overall:
I don't imagine looking for another product all together. I did mention earlier that I found the TC compressor pedal to be better than the compressor models in the M13, and I could maybe see getting frustrated with being limited to only 4 effects at once. With that said though, I rarely even use 4 at once, so as long as you place your effects strategically, where you don't have two that you'd like to use at the same time situated in the same columns, you'll be fine.

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"The M13... it's not just for breakfast anymore"

Sound:
The sound quality is awesome. You can fine tune pretty much everything to get a sound and tone that you like.
Feature:
The M13 has so much built into it, it will take a very long time to find out what to do with all of it.
Ease of Use:
Overall, it's like running 4 stompboxes of whatever you want in any order... set them up just like single units in a row.
Then you can run it like I do, with some of the effects in front of the amp, and some of them into the loop.
Quality:
It's a tank
Value:
Yeah, you get a pantload of effects for the price of a few.
Manufacturer Support:
I haven't dealt with Line 6 myself, but I have checked on a couple of questions on their forums, and they appear to be fairly responsive
The Wow Factor:
It's laid out great, easy to use, I LIKE IT!!!
Overall:
I don't see me replacing it any time soon, there is really nothing out there to take it's place

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